3 days in Cannes - my findings and insiders (on hotels, restaurants, daytrips and more!)

Embedded in the sparkling coast of the French Riviera - La Côte d'Azur - you will find the city of mesmerizing Cannes, a place embodying elegance, luxury, and cinematic allure. This sophisiticated hub and its social history takes you back to different times, telling stories books are written about. 

Being mainly associated with the famous film festival, this prestigious hot spot has a lot more to offer. I keep re-living this moment as I am casually sipping on a piccolo bottle of Taittinger rosé champagne on one of the sun soaked beaches, surrounded by opulent hotels and historic architecture, showcasing a broad spectrum of different eras and experiencing the lively cultural and culinary scene. While strolling through palmtree alleys on the Croisette or the historic center - Le Suquet - and indulging in world class cuisine, everything seems weightless and possible for a moment with cares left far behind.

FUN FACT! Royal Connections: Cannes was a favored winter destination for European royalty in the 19th century, contributing to its development into a luxury resort town.

Hotel choice and area

You want to find a hotel on or near the central shopping street Rue D'Antibes. I have stayed at the Hotel Verlaine, a chic boutique hotel with a few minutes walking into the center, as well as the Hotel Cannes Centre Univers directly in the heart of the city, surrounded by charming french shops, boutiques and a jump away from the main train station (which btw., will, within the blink of an eye, take you up and down the French Riviera - a priceless, picturesque view included). Both hotels are more than affordable btw.!

Bakery/Breakfast

find the "Le Saint Antoine by Marquis" Boulangerie/Patisserie at the bottom of the old town hill "Le Suquet" (side bonus: leading up to the famous panoramic city and harbor overlook at the Notre-Dame-d’Espérance clock tower). No sweet and salty wishes are left unfulfilled here and the prices are surprisingly low. Let the pictures speak for themselves.

Restaurants

The most obvious and easiest way to find a good place to eat, is to stroll up and down the boardwalk (La Croissette) with its fancy beach restaurants and clubs at hand. There you will find a big variety of food styles. On our last night, we decided to stroll through the side streets in the same (central) area and unexpectedly ended up at the, as I learned later, legendary "La Mome" Restaurant & Cocktail Bar. The charm of this place, located in an extremly lively side street, is incredible, the food and the outdoor mood, even better. High end, delicious asian cuisine. My absolute number one recommendation.

Secondly, we really enjoyed "Caveau 30" right in the middle of everything by the "Palais des Fesitvals". To be honest I assumed the restaurant at first was a bit of a tourist trap, being located infront of the main old town street (we sat front row and literally had entire Cannes walk by us, which was super fun to people watch) and having fixed price course meal choices for an incredible price. And let me tell you - the portions were huge, and the food was delicious. Definitly come hungry and ready to be entertained by the moving crowd. For us this will now be a first night "let's arrive and soak in the Cannes energy" tradition.

Two very special restaurants we unfortunately didn't make it to, are on the top of my list to experience in the future:

La Guérite located on the Île Sainte-Marguerite, just a quick ferry ride away from the main land. With a chic, rustic, mediterranean inspired setting, fresh seafood dishes, incredible views and a feeling of exclusivity it seems just perfect for a luxurious escape.

La Passagere is a 15 minute car (or easy train) ride away in the Cap D'Antibes but I believe worth the commute. I am not sure if it can get more "French Riviera" than the post card looking backdrop of this Hotel Belle Rives restaurant. This exclusive hideout enchants with its elegant Art Deco décor, panoramic sea view, and a sophisticated menu that blends innovative culinary techniques with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Other restaurants, which have excpetional reputation as "social hot spots" and which I would check out next time I am in Cannes for the experience:

La Palme d'Or is almost a must, simply due to its name, history and popularity. Located in the Hotel Martinez, this two-Michelin-starred restaurant offers exquisite cuisine with a view of the Croisette. Chef Christian Sinicropi’s innovative dishes are said to be a culinary masterpiece.

L'Oasis located in nearby Mandelieu-la-Napoule, is a two-Michelin-starred haven of gourmet French cuisine set in a lush garden. The seafood dishes here are particularly renowned.

In Cannes you wont only be enriched by world-class dining, but also the most charming, stunning Riviera destinations it is surrounded by, making it a perfect hub for expolaration.

Daytrips and what`s happening around Cannes:

Now this is my favourite part about Cannes' location. It is just in the middle of everything bringing together the wealthiest, most idyllic coast towns including even kingdoms and lavender fields in the matter of a quick train ride. As mentioned, the main train station is located directly in the city center. We litereally hopped on and off and toured around the area having these most enchanting stops lined up in a row and each being roughly 10 minutes in distance apart, a stunning coast view included!

Our highlights:

• Antibes: Right "next door", Antibes is known for its ancient ramparts, the Picasso Museum, and the bustling Provençal market. Stroll through the Old Town or visit the luxurious Port Vauban but in general just soaking in this extraordinary get away is already worth your time!
  

• Eze: Perched high on a cliff, the medieval village of Eze offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Wander its narrow streets, visit the exotic garden, and tour the Fragonard perfume factory. This extraordinary experience is an absolute must!

• Nice: With its stunning Promenade des Anglais, vibrant markets, and impressive art museums, Nice is a cultural and visual feast. Don't miss the Old Town's charming streets and the panoramic views from Castle Hill. Be aware that out of all other mentioned places, which have more intimate, exclusive vacation flair, Nice is a big, vibrant city, full of distance and life. GOOD TO KNOW: It is also the base of all further excursions at the French Riviera, being the touching point with its central (in the area's only) aiport.

• Monaco: Experience the glitz and glamour of Monaco, home to the famous Monte Carlo Casino, Grand Prix and the Prince's Palace. Words can barely describe Monaco's energy in lifestyle, architecture and culture - it just has the wow effect in every turn you take. We enjoyed a glass of a champagne at the Cafe de Paris (yes, put this on your list as a must!) and soaked in the, as it felt, parallel universe of utmost beauty and luxury.
  

• Grasse: Known as the world's perfume capital, Grasse invites you to explore its fragrant history. Visit perfume factories, the International Perfume Museum, and enjoy the scenic countryside dotted with lavender fields. You'll feel like in a multisensory dream.

Insider! Hidden Beaches: While La Croisette’s beaches are famous, locals often escape to the more secluded beaches of Île Sainte-Marguerite, a short ferry ride from Cannes.

Back to Cannes! - Discover and just be...

Walk through the little side streets around the central area, find famous or hidden markets (such as the Marche Forville) to buy authentic, local products for yourself or to bring home to your loved ones. Just the charm of the French Riviera will swoop you off your feet and every turn can be a surprise. We were mesmerized by new impressions, the local lifeystyle and the overall cultural mentality, presenting itself in a classy, laissez-faire type of manner. Oh and if I haven't already loved linen enough - I sure do after this visit to the French Riviera ;-)

Last recommendation! Events: Check the Event Calendar before booking or travelling to Cannes, as due to its vibrant event culture, there is always one spectacle chasing the next.

Expect high entertainment at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, showcasing the best in advertising and creativity or visit the Cannes Yachting Festival, experincing the world of luxury boating. No matter of the month, you will find cultural, musical, and sporting events, reflecting Cannes' dynamic and cosmopolitan spirit, bringing together tradition and modern life.